Equilibra Aloe Sunscreen SPF 20 UVA/UVB Review

Equilibra Aloe Sunscreen SPF 20 UVA/UVB
5.7
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.4 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
20
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Equilibra Aloe Sunscreen SPF 20 UVA/UVB Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Equilibra Aloe Sunscreen SPF 20 UVA/UVB has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.7 out of 10.
  • Soothing: Equilibra Aloe Sunscreen SPF 20 UVA/UVB contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.
  • Moderate sun protection for most daily activities or short periods spent outdoors.

Key Benefits of Equilibra Aloe Sunscreen SPF 20 UVA/UVB

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Equilibra Aloe Sunscreen SPF 20 UVA/UVB:
 

Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Equilibra Aloe Sunscreen SPF 20 UVA/UVB is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.7 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.4 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈65.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Equilibra Aloe Sunscreen SPF 20 UVA/UVB is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈65.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Equilibra Aloe Sunscreen SPF 20 UVA/UVB is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈65.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Moderate Sun Protection for Short Outdoor Activities

 

Equilibra Aloe Sunscreen SPF 20 UVA/UVB has an SPF of 20 and provides moderate sun protection. It is suitable for individuals with medium to darker skin tones who are less prone to sunburn and those engaging in short outdoor activities such as walking or brief errands, as well as cloudy days when UV exposure is less intense.

It helps protect against UVB rays, which are primarily responsible for sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer by damaging the outer layers of the skin. When labeled as broad-spectrum, it also defends against UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and cause premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and long-term cellular damage.

For optimal protection, choose products labeled broad-spectrum to ensure defense against both UVA rays, which contribute to skin aging and pigmentation, and UVB rays that cause sunburn.

However, if you spend a substantial amount of time outdoors, it is better to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Equilibra Aloe Sunscreen SPF 20 UVA/UVB

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Equilibra Aloe Sunscreen SPF 20 UVA/UVB to your skincare routine:
 

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Equilibra Aloe Sunscreen SPF 20 UVA/UVB is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Ascorbyl Palmitate, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Ascorbyl Palmitate provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that Ascorbyl Palmitate may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were accessible to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of Equilibra Aloe Sunscreen SPF 20 UVA/UVB

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Equilibra Aloe Sunscreen SPF 20 UVA/UVB to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution
  • Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
  • Provides moderate sun protection, ideal for short outdoor activities and suitable for medium to darker skin tones on cloudy or low-UV days

Cons: 

  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Octocrylene
Function:
Origin:
Octisalate
Function:
Origin:
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Caprylate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Cocoglycerides
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Triazone
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Undecylenic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Phytate
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
65.9
65
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
2.8
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.7
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 65.9 10
10.0
65
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 2.8 20
1.4
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.7
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
65
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 65.9 10
10
All humectants
65.9
65
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 2.8 20
1.4
All occlusives
2.8
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Ascorbyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
65
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 66.2 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
66.2
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
65
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Ascorbyl Palmitate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
65
All soothing 65 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
65
65
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %65
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Water
Est. %9
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Octocrylene
Est. %6
Function
Origin
OctocryleneA synthetic compound that protects skin against harmful ultraviolet light.
Octisalate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
OctisalateA UVB sunscreen also known as ethylhexyl salicylate. It is normally paired with UVA sunscreens to provide broad-spectrum protection. Octisalate also protects other ingredients, like colorants and antioxidants, from deterioration due to exposure to UV light.
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateA synthetic emollient ester. It works to improve the appearance of the skin by filling in the microcracks on the surface, thereby making the skin appear softer and smoother. It imparts a lightweight, velvety feel.
Coco-Caprylate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Coco-CaprylateA naturally-derived or synthetically produced oil with a very light feel. An alternative to silicones, this ingredient spreads quickly and doesn't leave a residue on skin.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Potassium Cetyl PhosphateA powerful emulsifier that can even mix particularly problematic water and oil blends. It is also a surfactant perfect for cleansing products that effectively rinse off oil and dirt particles from the surface of the skin.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Cocoglycerides
Est. %1
Function
Origin
CocoglyceridesA naturally-derived emollient with medium spreadability. It is oil-like and makes skin feel soft and not sticky.
Cetyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl PalmitateA moisturizing occlusive and emollient wax ester that consists of cetyl alcohol and palmitic acid. In nature, cetyl palmitate is found, and was first identified, in spermaceti, a waxy substance from inside the skull of the sperm whale.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Sorbitan Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan StearateA vegetable-derived ingredient most commonly used as an emulsifier to stabilize water and oil mixtures.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl AlcoholA waxy solid fatty alcohol derived from palm oil. It is most commonly used as a co-emulsifier and affects the final aesthetic of the product, leaving a soft and silky feeling on the skin. Cetyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity controlling agent.
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) OilA famous occlusive moisturizing and emollient oil. It is derived from coconuts and may give a product a lovely coconut scent. Coconut oil is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Argania Spinosa Kernel OilA fatty oil from Moroccan argan tree kernels commonly used as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. Its uniqueness comes from its compounds: vitamin E, phospholipids, phenolic compounds, and rare phytosterols with antioxidant and emollient effects.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Ascorbyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl PalmitateA form of vitamin C derived from ascorbic acid and palmitic acid. It is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. Unfortunately, Ascorbyl Palmitate lacks the studies to prove its anti-wrinkle efficacy.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Ethylhexyl Triazone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl Triazone
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterA semi-solid, buttery fat extracted from the seeds of the Shea tree that is a wonderful occlusive and emollient ingredient mainly comprised of fatty acids. Shea butter contains a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Undecylenic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Undecylenic Acid
Sodium Phytate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PhytateSodium phytate is a chelating agent that serves to remove heavy metal ions from water. Removing metal ions helps other ingredients, such as antioxidants and preservatives, to perform better and keep products from separating.
Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LecithinA humectant, emollient, and emulsifier best suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Lecithin can come from sunflowers, soy, and eggs. The downside to lecithin is that it causes an extra burden on the formula’s preservative because it is nutritious.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.